A key aspect of the project was the reinstatement of the roof structure, which used glue-laminated timber trusses due to the complexity of the curved ceiling. The trusses were spaced at 600mm intervals, custom-cut and curved in a factory before being delivered to the site for installation. Working within the church required full undercover scaffolding, so work could be completed whatever the weather.
A major difficulty arose from the irregularities of the existing structure, as is the case with most historic buildings, the existing structure of the church was geometrically variable, making the installation of a new roof structure challenging. Specifically, the head of the wall that supported the roof was inconsistent, so to overcome this AWA fixed a timber plate to the head of the wall that was consistent, so the trusses could rest on something that was true.
During the project, a shallow raft foundation from a 1950s extension was discovered at the western end of the church. This unexpected find required additional strengthening work. Furthermore, when preparing the substructure for a new west porch, archaeological remains were uncovered. This prevented the use of traditional trench foundations, leading to the use of screw piles and a shallow suspended concrete slab to minimise excavation and protect the remains.
The project also involved the installation of a new limecrete slab with underfloor heating, dramatically improving comfort and reducing energy consumption. The new west porch, which serves as the main entrance, adds a welcoming feature to the church. The addition of a stunning stained glass rose window above the porch enhances the aesthetic appeal.